Digital citizenship is the responsible use of digital resources, including the Internet and all Internet-connected devices. Because students consume a massive amount of digital content, have digital technology at the heart of their lives, and have parents who are not digital natives and therefore may lack the ability to effectively convey the principles of good digital citizenship, it is important to give these students as much guidance as possible on how to safely participate in a digital world. This responsibility falls onto the classroom teacher more than ever. As a result, this website aims to convey at least three main ideas of responsible digital citizenship: equal and equitable access to digital technology for everyone, proper digital etiquette, and the digital rights and responsibilities that all students have when using digital technology.
Audience
The website is targeted to 7th grade students, though could be applicable to all middle level grades. Specifically, the students who view this website will be students in my Science and Social Studies classes. Students will be introduced to this website at the start of the school year, and referred back to it throughout the course of the school year.
Description of Each Page
Digital Access
Rather than explain the possible physical limitations of access to digital technology, or the socioeconomic divide with the haves and have-nots, I wanted to make this section relevant to the students at Seaford Middle School. Therefore, I shared with the students the opinion the teachers at Seaford Middle School have of their students’ access to digital technology and the resultant expectations these teachers have for digital technology use within their classrooms. Not surprisingly, because the teachers are aware that many students in the school do not have regular access to the types of technology they would be expected to use to complete their schoolwork, teachers have lower expectations for the use of digital technology. The purpose of giving students this information was to help those students who need assistance in accessing digital technology realize that their teachers are understanding of their situation and are willing to help supply access where they can.
Digital Etiquette
Because BrainPOP is a beloved resource to so many of my students, I opted to use their segment on digital etiquette to reinforce the concepts of being respectful, responsible, and safe while using digital technology. This resource (and any discussion about digital etiquette) can be used as a springboard to a discussion and lesson regarding cyberbullying and other behaviors that should be discouraged.
Digital Rights & Responsibilities
The two videos aim to explain to students their rights and responsibilities within their digital world, with an emphasis on responsible technology use. I selected the first video because I felt it was a very simple way of explaining the rights that all digital citizens have when using digital technology. The second video was selected in an attempt to warn students of the potential dangers that come with irresponsible use of digital technology. I have linked to my District’s Acceptable Use Policy to help students understand the expectations of proper technology use and the consequences that exist for violations of the Acceptable Use Policy. Furthermore, I have linked to an easy-to-view pamphlet designed specifically for student consumption that outlines the key points of the District’s Acceptable Use Policy.
Digital Citizenship Website
Lesson Plan URL: http://mrlavelle.weebly.com
Overview
Digital citizenship is the responsible use of digital resources, including the Internet and all Internet-connected devices. Because students consume a massive amount of digital content, have digital technology at the heart of their lives, and have parents who are not digital natives and therefore may lack the ability to effectively convey the principles of good digital citizenship, it is important to give these students as much guidance as possible on how to safely participate in a digital world. This responsibility falls onto the classroom teacher more than ever. As a result, this website aims to convey at least three main ideas of responsible digital citizenship: equal and equitable access to digital technology for everyone, proper digital etiquette, and the digital rights and responsibilities that all students have when using digital technology.
Audience
The website is targeted to 7th grade students, though could be applicable to all middle level grades. Specifically, the students who view this website will be students in my Science and Social Studies classes. Students will be introduced to this website at the start of the school year, and referred back to it throughout the course of the school year.
Description of Each Page
Digital Access
Rather than explain the possible physical limitations of access to digital technology, or the socioeconomic divide with the haves and have-nots, I wanted to make this section relevant to the students at Seaford Middle School. Therefore, I shared with the students the opinion the teachers at Seaford Middle School have of their students’ access to digital technology and the resultant expectations these teachers have for digital technology use within their classrooms. Not surprisingly, because the teachers are aware that many students in the school do not have regular access to the types of technology they would be expected to use to complete their schoolwork, teachers have lower expectations for the use of digital technology. The purpose of giving students this information was to help those students who need assistance in accessing digital technology realize that their teachers are understanding of their situation and are willing to help supply access where they can.
Digital Etiquette
Because BrainPOP is a beloved resource to so many of my students, I opted to use their segment on digital etiquette to reinforce the concepts of being respectful, responsible, and safe while using digital technology. This resource (and any discussion about digital etiquette) can be used as a springboard to a discussion and lesson regarding cyberbullying and other behaviors that should be discouraged.
Digital Rights & Responsibilities
The two videos aim to explain to students their rights and responsibilities within their digital world, with an emphasis on responsible technology use. I selected the first video because I felt it was a very simple way of explaining the rights that all digital citizens have when using digital technology. The second video was selected in an attempt to warn students of the potential dangers that come with irresponsible use of digital technology. I have linked to my District’s Acceptable Use Policy to help students understand the expectations of proper technology use and the consequences that exist for violations of the Acceptable Use Policy. Furthermore, I have linked to an easy-to-view pamphlet designed specifically for student consumption that outlines the key points of the District’s Acceptable Use Policy.
Works Cited
See Resources page at http://mrlavelle.weebly.com for list of references.